Russia, Turkey Agree to Reopen Crossing Points in Syria's Idlib, Aleppo
Russia's military said on Wednesday that it had agreed with Turkey to open two crossing points in the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria and one near Aleppo, due to the difficult humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.
Deputy Chief of the Russian Center for
Reconciliation of the Conflicting Parties said the step reflects Russia's
commitment to reach peaceful settlement in Syria.
“We believe
this step is a direct indication of our commitment to a peaceful settlement of
the Syrian crisis,” Alexander Karpov told a news briefing on Wednesday.
Under the agreement, Saraqeb and Miznas
checkpoints in the Idlib de-escalation zone and the Abu Zeydin checkpoint near
the settlement of Aleppo have been reopened to lift the siege on civilians.
The deteriorating humanitarian situation in
these areas have prompted people to protest in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, Russia proposed reopening border
crossings on the Turkish side.
According to the Center’s statement, the
proposal included delivering humanitarian aid convoys and allowing refugees to
exit as of March 25.
